Activity Specialist: Theater (West Side YMCA)

National Council of Young Men's Christian Associations of the United States of America; New York (NY); On-site; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement benefits

Medical insurance

Paid time off

Free YMCA membership

Job summary

The West Side YMCA, part of the YMCA of Greater New York, seeks an Activity Specialist to deliver theater instruction within the Y Afterschool program, including Holiday Camps, and provide a safe, positive environment for school-age children.

Responsibilities include planning age-appropriate lessons, teaching theater fundamentals, and coordinating a culminating performance with staff. This part-time role emphasizes collaboration and participant growth.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required. College credits preferred.
• Minimum of two years of experience working with youth, specifically with children and planning theater activities.
• Formal certification in theater required.
• General knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Strong interpersonal skills, leadership qualities, and comfort working with diverse youth and adults.

Responsibilities

• Ensure health, safety, and well-being of participants with proper supervision.
• Plan and implement age-appropriate theater activities and events.
• Teach fundamentals of theater and build participants' skills and confidence.
• Coordinate culminating performance at end of program cycle, if applicable.
• Work with Afterschool Counselors, staff, teachers, and other program personnel.
• Promote an inclusive, welcoming environment that respects diversity.
• Maintain program documentation (sign-in/out, attendance, behavior, incident reports).
• Be a positive role model for participants.

Skills

Theater instruction

Leadership

Communication

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

College credits preferred

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Job description

Activity Specialist: Theater (West Side YMCA)

Part-Time/Regular
$20.00 - $25.00 Hourly

The YMCA of Greater New York is here for all New Yorkers — to empower youth, improve health, and strengthen community. Founded in 1852, today the Y serves a diverse population of more than half a million New Yorkers who learn, grow, and thrive through programs and services at our 24 branches. Community is the cornerstone of the Y. Together, we connect active, engaged New Yorkers to build stronger communities.

To help fulfill our mission, we cultivate a culture of learning, leading, and collaboration to enhance community impact. Through our talented staff and “LEAP” career framework (Leadership, Empowerment, Accountability, Personal Growth), we are committed to a people-first approach that fosters trust, inclusion, growth, and development for all.

The West Side YMCA is seeking an Activity Specialist who will play a critical role in providing academic enhancement and enrichment in the Y Afterschool program, including Holiday Camps. The Activity Specialist will be responsible for providing a safe and positive environment for school-age children and for providing opportunities for learning, interaction, and academic or personal growth. Specifically, the Activity Specialist will prepare and deliver age-appropriate theater instruction for all grades in the Y Afterschool program.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure the health, safety, and well-being of participants in the program by providing appropriate supervision at all times.
• Plan and implement meaningful activities and special events that are age-appropriate, exciting, challenging, and value-based.
• Teach participants the fundamentals of theater, including activities that build their level of skill and confidence.
• Coordinate and present a culminating performance at the end of the program cycle, if applicable.
• Work cooperatively with Afterschool Counselors, professional staff, teachers, and other program and school staff.
• Promote an inclusive, welcoming, and respectful environment that embraces the diversity of all participants.
• Create and maintain a strength-based, youth-focused atmosphere that is consistent and sensitive to the needs of participants with learning, emotional, or behavioral differences.
• Maintain accurate program documentation (sign-in/sign-out forms, attendance sheets, behavior reports, and incident reports, as appropriate).
• Serve as a positive role model for participants.
• Work with the Site Director to secure and maintain all equipment or supplies needed for the program activities.
• Understand and communicate the YMCA’s core values and the goals of the Y Afterschool Program to participants and caregivers.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with parents/guardians and caregivers through regular communication about their child’s strengths and areas for growth.
• Prepare the learning environment, lessons, and necessary supplies for the program activities.
• Actively participate in training sessions, designated meetings, and special events.
• Adhere to all Department of Health, YMCA of Greater New York, and funder standards, expectations, and regulations.

Desired Skills & Experience

• High School Diploma or equivalent required. College credits preferred.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience working with youth, specifically working with children and planning theater activities.
• Formal certification in theater required.
• General knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Strong interpersonal skills, leadership qualities, and comfortable working with diverse youth and adults.

Benefits

• The YMCA of Greater New York offers a variety of benefits to its staff members, including retirement benefits , medical, paid time off, free YMCA membership, and more! Benefit eligibility is determined by an individual’s employment status (i.e., full-time or part-time), tenure, and/or the number of hours scheduled to work. Clickhere for more information.

Location: West Side YMCA, New York, NY

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER DRUGFREE WORKPLACE

Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities